Washington, D.C. – Former President Donald Trump sharply rebuked an NBC reporter during a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, following questions about the Pentagon’s acceptance of a Boeing 747 aircraft from Qatar, which is set to serve as a temporary Air Force One.
The confrontation occurred during Trump’s meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Prior to the exchange, Trump had shown Ramaphosa a video highlighting alleged violence against white farmers in South Africa.
When NBC correspondent Peter Alexander questioned Trump about the Qatari aircraft, Trump reacted angrily.
“What are you talking about? You know, you ought to get out of here,” Trump said. “They’re giving the United States Air Force a jet. OK? And it’s a great thing. We’re talking about a lot of other things. It’s NBC trying to get off the subject of what you just saw.”
Trump went on to criticize both the reporter and NBC’s leadership, saying, “You are a terrible reporter. No. 1, you don’t have what it takes to be a reporter. You’re not smart enough. Go back to your studio at NBC. Brian Roberts and the people that run that place—they ought to be investigated. And you are a disgrace. No more questions from you.”
Later, Trump reiterated his stance on Truth Social, stating the $400 million Boeing 747 was “NOT TO ME,” but a donation to the U.S. Air Force. “It is a gift from a nation, Qatar. It will be used by our government as a temporary Air Force One, until such time as our new Boeings arrive,” he wrote.
The Pentagon has confirmed acceptance of the aircraft, despite public scrutiny regarding the legality and ethics of accepting such a gift from a foreign government.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the Department of Defense is “working to ensure proper security measures” are in place to prepare the aircraft for presidential use. “The plane was accepted in accordance with all federal rules and regulations,” he added.
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